Praise for The Art of Racing in the Rain
“The Art of Racing in The Rain has everything: love, tragedy, redemption, danger, and--most especially--the canine narrator Enzo. This old soul of a dog has much to teach us about being human.” (Sara Gruen, Author of Water for Elephants )
“I savored Garth Stein’s The Art of Racing in the Rain for many reasons: a dog who speaks, the thrill of competitive racing, a heart-tugging storyline, and--best of all--the fact that it is a meditation on humility and hope in the face of despair.” (Wally Lamb, Author of She's Come Undone and I Know This Much Is True )
“The perfect book for anyone who knows that some of our best friends walk beside us on four legs; that compassion isn’t only for humans; and that the relationship between two souls...meant for each other never really comes to an end.” (Jodi Picoult )
All of this yucky weather has given me the perfect opportunity to snuggle up and read. I bought this book a year ago and lost it before I had the chance to read it, buuuuut what once was lost now is FOUND!! Wooo Hoo!! Anyways, have you ever wondered what your dog is thinking? I find myself constantly curious about what goes on in our sweet little Nash's head! Like, I wonder if he likes my baby talk/voices or if he thinks I'm just a mumbling moron, or does he ever even have thoughts!?! Well, this book is all about what goes on in the mind of a dog. In fact, the whole story is told from a dog's perspective! Read this book..it is great! It is such a sweet read that also gives an answer to that age old question of, "what is my dog thinking?"
A little bit about the book
Enzo knows he is different from other dogs: a philosopher with a nearly human soul (and an obsession with opposable thumbs), he has educated himself by watching television extensively, and by listening very closely to the words of his master, Denny Swift, an up-and-coming race car driver. Through Denny, Enzo has gained tremendous insight into the human condition, and he sees that life, like racing, isn't simply about going fast. Using the techniques needed on the race track, one can successfully navigate all of life's ordeals.
On the eve of his death, Enzo takes stock of his life, recalling all that he and his family have been through: the sacrifices Denny has made to succeed professionally; the unexpected loss of Eve, Denny's wife; the three-year battle over their daughter, Zoë, whose maternal grandparents pulled every string to gain custody. In the end, despite what he sees as his own limitations, Enzo comes through heroically to preserve the Swift family, holding in his heart the dream that Denny will become a racing champion with Zoë at his side.
I mentioned in another post when I finish a book if I really liked it I always say, "I hope they make this into a movie!" I did not say that about this book-only because I already knew it was being made into a movie! :) I believe it is supposed to hit theaters in 2012 which means you have plenty of time to READ the book BEFORE you see the movie!!!
In honor of this book I am posting some pictures of our sweet fur baby Nash. Enjoy!
Love,
Allison
(P.S. I choose to believe Nash likes my voices and thinks I'm a complete genius, but that's just me!)
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| Sweet Baby Boy! |
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| Snoozing! |
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Nash retrieving his duck |
